Pre-Med Student Wins President's Award

Beatriz Madriz Rodriguez, a 2012 Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) graduate, has been selected to receive the President's Award to attend Washington State University (WSU) Vancouver.

Michael Hay, MHCC president, selected Rodriguez because of her leadership skills and dedication to community service. WSU awards the scholarship to outstanding students at several local community colleges and renews it each year as long as the students are enrolled full time.

I literally jumped with joy when I was told I got the President's Award, Rodriguez says. I was shocked and extremely grateful. She plans to earn her bachelors degree at WSU, apply to medical school and one day work in an emergency room or specialize in neuroscience.

Rodriguez, a David Douglas High School graduate, credits much of her academic success to her TRIO Adviser, Nicci Harwood, who has been with her throughout her MHCC experience. TRIO is a federal program that assists eligible students who are pursuing a bachelors degree.

Beatriz is one of the most motivated students that I have met. She set a goal to be a pre-med major and has been committed to it since day one, says Harwood. She is an extremely hard-working and caring person and I know that these characteristics will shine as she progresses along in her education.

Rodriguez was also very involved with the Student Outreach and Recruitment (SOAR) team, which leads campus tours, coordinates campus visits, hosts career fairs and meets with prospective students.